210 Gallon Geophagus Sanctuary (Updated Pics 10/13/2012)

[barrettsline]

Ive thought about it as well. I just dont want a real dark blackwater tank. something light on blackwater would be cool. I'll take it into consideration. Ill also take into consideration the SS screw idea.

Texsun tell me what you know about DW since youve been using it.

[TexSun]

Well what do you want to know?

I use it primarily for the benefits that the DOCs provide for my shrimp & ca/sa fish.

I think it would be easy to control how dark the water gets. Water changes, adding/removing items that'll discolor the water will all effect how dark it gets.

I'm thinking a med. brewed iced tea coloration. Some tinting but you can still see the fish & their colors well. I seem to remember most people have trouble getting it dark enough.

[barrettsline]

Define doc's. Is that how dark your water gets? Have you seen any health issues from it. What do you do to prep it before it goes in your tank?

[TexSun]

DOCs: dissolved organic compounds. They come from decomposing organic matter( fish poo, plants, wood, etc). DOC is a general term, the compounds can vary from tank to tank.
Some are harmful, some are helpful. Water changes help keep everything in check...
The coloration of blackwater comes from tannins being released from wood/ leaves/ etc.

[barrettsline]

Gotcha. What type of wood are you using?

[TexSun]

Gotcha. What type of wood are you using?

A mish-mash of various pieces I've collected from HFB members. I really have no idea. Honestly I think a mix is better because there's more than one type of tree usually in a forest (unless its a tree farm), it'll look more natural. Different types of wood will give varying textures & colors. Same with rocks/stones

[barrettsline]

A mish-mash of various pieces I've collected from HFB members. I really have no idea. Honestly I think a mix is better because there's more than one type of tree usually in a forest (unless its a tree farm), it'll look more natural. Different types of wood will give varying textures & colors. Same with rocks/stones

I have to say I like that idea. Gonna have to start looking into this.

[barrettsline]

Well did some trading today when I got home and at the end of the day look what I got!! It's not much but it's a start. Thanks Beto!!!!

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[TexSun]

Great start.

What type of corydora are you looking at?

[barrettsline]

Really not wanting to go the traditional route with Cory's in terms of "what everybody has". I would like pandas but I'm really looking for more rare Cory's. I've found some I like, but buying them will cost a chunk of change. Corydoras sp. black. I've found them at a store in Florida but I think there 17 a piece.

[barrettsline]

How ever I still do like the salt and pepper Cory's.

[barrettsline]

Well I've got all the driftwood I need finishing wet dry. Almost done. Only thing left is glass tops and lights(which I may have a trade going on for some!).

[barrettsline]

Wetdry goes on tomorrow. Finished prep of new connections. Need to let them dry and made a durso standpipe. Gotta clean bio balls tomorrow and it should be good to go. Updates to follow.

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[barrettsline]

Driftwood and rough final scape tomorrow as well. Driftwood is soaking in and ice chest with seachem safe and a powerhead. Depending on how I feel, Giraffe cat may go in tomorrow as well.

[barrettsline]

Was looking to down-grade and ended up up-gradeing......

7 geophagus balzani on the way! Updated pics tonight of the tank, I promise.